Swans hope Schneider lines up

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Sydney's talented forward line is likely to be boosted by the return of goalsneak Adam Schneider.

The Swans take on last-placed Richmond at the MCG on Saturday in a game they must win to be certain of a finals place and Schneider has spent two weeks in the reserves regaining his fitness.

Swans coach Paul Roos said he would watch Schneider closely at training this afternoon before deciding whether to include him in the side for the weekend.

"He's certainly a lot closer to selection, having played another game in the reserves," Roos said. "We've probably got an extra day to have another look. He's very much in the mix. It's obviously important to get your best talent out there on the field, and Schneids is a very talented player. Clearly when he's fit and healthy, he's in our best 22. We'll see how he trains and make an informed decision from there."

Schneider suffered a hamstring strain last month and if included would be a welcome addition to the forward line that was labelled by Barry Hall this week as one of the most talented in the competition. Hall has been integral to the Swans' success during the season. He bagged six at the weekend against Essendon, while Nick Davis returned to form with three and Ryan O'Keefe and Michael O'Loughlin were also on song.

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And the Swans forward line will need to fire again when they play the Tigers.

Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield said that the team had acknowledged it was a must-win match. If the Swans lose, other results might mean they fall to ninth - where they won't see a minute of September action.

"We are not across the line yet," Maxfield said. "We are very aware of the fact that we haven't made the final eight.

"We are anticipating it to be a tough match. Even though Richmond haven't had a lot of success this season, they do have a quality list. They have talented players in Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson and Greg Tivendale. And with it being [Richmond coach] Danny Frawley's last match, they are sure to be eager to send him off with a victory."

Maxfield said it was imperative that Sydney kept tabs on Tigers forward Matthew Richardson. Richardson proved the difference when the two teams played in round seven at the SCG as the Tigers won by 13 points.

"He had a tremendous day," Maxfield said. "He kicked seven goals, seven straight. I don't think he's done that before in his life."

Sydney, Essendon, West Coast, Fremantle and the Kangaroos are vying for three finals spots in the last home-and away round.